Watercraft for conveying at least one person on a water surface

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface, comprising an input device for providing a control instruction, wherein the control instruction depends on an input movement of the person and the input movement can be carried out during travel with the watercraft, furthermore comprising a control device for providing a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction, furthermore having a transmission device for transmitting the control instruction from the input device to the control device, furthermore having a steering device for providing a change in direction of the watercraft taking place along the water surface as a function of a steering movement by the person, wherein a holding device is provided for enabling a supporting function for the person operating the watercraft, wherein the input movement can be carried out independently of the steering movement and/or the supporting function.

DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION

The invention relates to a watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface having the features according to the preamble of claim 1.

A watercraft for transporting a person on a water surface is, for example, known from US2004139905A1. Accordingly, the watercraft has a hydrofoil for creating a lift force and, furthermore, a handlebar which can be operated by the user and can be pivoted to the left, right, top and bottom. In this case, a supporting function for the person is not present or even if the person wants to be supported on the handlebar, also an undesired change in the upward movement of the watercraft is thereby caused.

The object of the invention is to provide a watercraft which provides improved controllability and improved support for the person. A further object is to allow a controllable upward movement on the watercraft and/or to allow jumps with the watercraft and/or the compensation of wave motions of the water surface. A further object is to increase the sporting factor when driving with the watercraft. A further object is to allow safe operation of the watercraft and a stable travel position of the person on the watercraft. A further object is to reduce operability and, in particular, energy consumption while permitting controllability of the upward movement. A further object is to improve safety and stability of the watercraft during operation.

According to the invention, at least one of these tasks is solved by a watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface having the features according to claim 1. Accordingly, the invention relates to a watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface, comprising an input device for providing a control instruction, wherein the control instruction depends on an input movement of the person and the input movement can be carried out during travel with the watercraft, furthermore comprising a control device for providing a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction, furthermore having a transmission device for transmitting the control instruction from the input device to the control device, furthermore having a steering device for providing a change in direction of the watercraft taking place along the water surface as a function of a steering movement by the person, wherein a holding device is provided for enabling a supporting function for the person operating the watercraft, wherein the input movement can be carried out independently of the steering movement and/or the supporting function. As a result, the controllability and a controllable upward movement, as well as jumps with the watercraft, and a compensation of wave motions of the water surface can be made possible, and a steerability of the watercraft can be made possible and also a safe operation of the watercraft and a stable travel position of the person on the watercraft can be achieved. The person can be supported on the watercraft in the event of braking or acceleration or cornering situations, even in order not to fall off the watercraft, and nevertheless the operation of the watercraft, such as the operation of the input device and/or the operation of the steering device can be made possible independently of the support on the holding device. The support on the holding device can be required especially with regard to the support of lateral forces which can occur in the event of braking and/or acceleration and/or cornering situations.

The input movement can be provided by rotational movement of the input element. The input element can comprise a rotary element.

The steering movement can be performed by rotating the steering device. The steering device can comprise a handlebar and a steering element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding device provides a supporting function for the person for forces parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or transverse axis and/or vertical axis. In braking and/or acceleration situations, forces can occur in the direction perpendicular to the vertical axis, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis. In cornering situations, forces can occur perpendicular to the vertical axis, preferably in the direction parallel to the transverse axis. In the event of jumps with the watercraft, forces can occur in the direction parallel to the vertical axis.

The control instruction can be represented as a mechanical movement and/or as an electrical signal.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission device, when the control instruction is a mechanical movement, comprises a mechanical transmission means, for example a cable pull or a shaft for transmitting the control instruction as a mechanical movement of the transmission means to the control device. The shaft or the cable pull can be designed, for example, as a double cable pull, in such a way that a rotational movement of the input device can be carried out in both directions. The control device can provide a selective increase or decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction. A preloading force, for example caused by a spring element, can be exerted on the control device, for example in order to keep the control device in a neutral position by the preloading force. By actuating the input device, the preloading force can be overcome and the control instruction can be provided. A pulley can be provided in order to guide the cable pull. If the mechanical transmission element is designed as a shaft, at least one joint can be provided.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control instruction is an electrical signal. The transmission device can comprise a signal processing element and an actuator element. The signal processing element can receive the control instruction and forward it to the actuator element, wherein the actuator element acts on the control device in such a way that a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force can be carried out as a function of the control instruction. The actuator element can act in a supporting manner to perform a mechanical movement or can perform the actuation of the control device solely. The actuator element can provide a reduction of the force to be applied for actuating the control device, for example, such as a power steering in a motor vehicle.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the person can hold his hands on the holding device. The holding device can be fixed to the watercraft in order to provide the supporting function. The holding device can absorb forces during support of the person. The holding device can be mounted on the watercraft so as to be rotatable with respect to at least one axis of rotation.

The holding device can comprise a holding rod and/or a handle rod.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the watercraft comprises a floating body element. The floating body element can provide a buoyancy force on the watercraft. When the watercraft is at a standstill, the floating body element can cause the watercraft to float on the water surface. The floating body element can be assigned a receiving area for the person, in particular for a standing position of the person. The floating body element can be designed as a surfboard or as a wakeboard or as a skimboard or as a body board.

The steering device can comprise a handlebar and a steering element. The handlebar can extend away from the floating body element. The holding rod can form the handlebar. The handle rod can form the steering element.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the steering device is arranged on the holding device and/or the input device is arranged on the holding device and/or the input device is arranged on the steering device. The input device can comprise an input element. The input element can be designed as a first rotary element. The rotary element can be designed as a rotary handle or rotary switch. The input movement of the person can be performed by a rotational movement of the input element.

Preferably, the holding device and/or steering device is foldable. In this way, a simplified transport of the watercraft can be made possible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a propulsion device is provided for providing a propulsive force. The propulsive force can be controlled by the person by actuating a speed control element. The speed control element can be designed as a second rotary element. The second rotary element can be designed as a second rotary handle or as a rotary switch. The second rotary element can be operated by rotating a hand of the person.

The speed control element and the input element can be arranged on the holding device and/or on the steering device.

A further specific embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the holding device has a first support area for the first hand of the person and a second support area for the second hand of the person, with a distance between the first and second support area. The distance can be greater than or equal to a hand width of the person. As a result, a reliable supporting function for the person can be made possible. The person can be supported on the holding device in the event of an abrupt braking operation, even in order to prevent falling down from the watercraft. The same can apply to cornering situations.

In a further specific embodiment of the invention, the input element is arranged on the first support area and the speed control element is arranged on the second support area.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the steering device is arranged on the holding device, wherein the steering device is attached to the floating body element in a fixed but, in order to enable a steering movement, rotatable manner. A steering of the watercraft for changing the direction along the water surface can be made possible and at the same time a supporting function via the holding device. For example, on the one hand, the person can be supported with both hands on the steering device and/or the holding device, in that an approximately equal force is exerted on the steering device and/or on the holding device with both hands, and on the other hand, when the steering device is rotated, for example by the person exerting a torque on the steering device, a change in direction of the watercraft along the water surface can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steering device comprises a handlebar extending away from the floating body element and a steering element attached to the handlebar. The steering element can comprise a second rotary element. The rotary element can be designed as a rotary handle or can comprise a rotary handle. The second rotary element can act as a speed control element.

The steering element of the steering device can be formed in one piece with the handle rod of the holding device and/or can be formed by the same component.

The input element can comprise the first or second support area. The speed control element can comprise the corresponding second or first support area. The person can be supported on the input element and/or on the speed control element. The person can operate the input element and/or the speed control element by rotation. The operation of the speed control element can control the propulsive force. The operation of the input element can cause the control instruction in order to change the lift force.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control instruction can be provided by tilting the holding device and/or the steering device. The steering device can comprise a rotatable handlebar and/or a rotatable steering element. The steering device or a part thereof and/or a steering element arranged on the steering device, or a part thereof, can be tilted in order to provide the control instruction. The tilting can be carried out about a tilting axis which lies parallel to a longitudinal axis or a transverse axis of the watercraft.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first hydrofoil device is provided for providing a first lift force, the first hydrofoil device comprising at least one first hydrofoil element which is effective in the water, wherein the control instruction can cause a displacement of the first hydrofoil device and/or a rotation of the first hydrofoil element and/or a change in the flow conditions of the first hydrofoil element and/or a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element and/or a rotation of the propulsion device.

A rotational movement of the input device can be carried out as a rotational movement of the rotary handle. A rotational movement of the input device can cause the control signal, for example as a movement in the cable pull. The cable pull is preferably connected to the control device in such a way that a movement in the cable pull can cause a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a second hydrofoil device with at least one second hydrofoil element is provided for providing a second lift force on the watercraft. The control device can comprise the first and/or second hydrofoil device.

If the control device comprises the second hydrofoil device, the control instruction can cause a displacement of the second hydrofoil device depending on the control instruction and/or a rotation of the second hydrofoil element and/or a change in the angle of attack of the second hydrofoil element and/or a change in the flow conditions of the second hydrofoil element.

Alternatively or additionally, the control device can comprise the propulsion device. The propulsion device can comprise a propulsion element. The change in the lift force can be provided as a function of the control instruction by a rotation of the propulsion device and/or of the propulsion element. The propulsion element can comprise a propeller and a motor. The propulsion element can comprise any known means which cause a propulsive force, for example an impeller. The propulsion element can comprise any known means which cause a propulsive force, for example an electric motor. The electric motor can be arranged under water. For this purpose, a motor housing can be provided in which the electric motor can be included.

In a further specific embodiment of the invention, the steering device comprises the first and/or second hydrofoil device and/or the propulsion device. The first and/or second hydrofoil device and/or the propulsion device can be rotatable depending on the steering movement. The first and/or second hydrofoil device can comprise a rudder element which can provide the change in direction of the watercraft as a function of a steering movement by the person.

The first hydrofoil device can be arranged in a front half of the watercraft and the second hydrofoil device can be arranged in the rear half of the watercraft.

The propulsion device can be arranged in the rear half of the watercraft.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the propulsive force can be transmitted to the watercraft via the first and/or second hydrofoil device. The first and/or second hydrofoil device form the force transmission element for forwarding the propulsive force from the propulsion device to another component of the watercraft, preferably to the floating body element. The force transmission from the propulsion device to the further component of the watercraft can necessarily be carried out via the first and/or second hydrofoil device. The force transmission can be carried out without bypassing the first and/or second hydrofoil device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and/or second hydrofoil device and/or the propulsion device can be attached to the watercraft in a foldable and/or detachable manner. As a result, it is possible to provide a simplified transport of the watercraft.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first hydrofoil device comprises a first hydrofoil element which is at least partially inclined with respect to the transverse axis and can penetrate the water surface at a first forward speed of the watercraft in order to provide the lift force. The second hydrofoil device can have a second hydrofoil element which is at least partially inclined with respect to the transverse axis and can penetrate the water surface at a first forward speed of the watercraft in order to provide the lift force.

Viewed in cross-section, the first and/or second hydrofoil element can have an airfoil profile, for example a NACA profile.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a braking device is provided for providing a braking force on the watercraft, wherein the braking device can cause an additional flow resistance of the watercraft. The braking force can be proportional to the resulting additional flow resistance. The effect of the braking force can be provided by a body movement of the person, preferably by actuating a lever element and/or a pedal element. The actuation of the braking device in order to cause a braking force can be independent of the input movement and/or the steering movement and/or the supporting function.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in addition to the first control instruction provided by the input device, a further, second control instruction for changing the lift force can be output automatically by a closed-loop control device via a signal processing element to the control device or a further control device. The closed-loop control device can comprise a sensor device for detecting a distance of the watercraft from the water surface and/or for detecting a wave motion of the water surface. The sensor device can be provided for detecting a wave motion upstream of the watercraft in the direction of travel. The sensor device can comprise a sensor element. The sensor element can comprise a radar sensor, preferably a LIDAR system. The second control instruction can serve to control the control device or the further control device for the purpose of automatic height distance and/or leveling of the watercraft and/or compensation of the influence of wave motions of the water surface on the function of the first hydrofoil device. The closed-loop control device can allow stable driving with the watercraft, preferably while maintaining a constant distance of the watercraft from the water surface.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the description of the figures and the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail in the following with reference to the figures. It is shown in detail:

FIG. 1: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a spatial view.

FIG. 2: The watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a front view.

FIG. 3: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.

FIG. 4: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.

FIG. 5: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.

FIG. 6: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.

FIG. 7: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one person on a water surface according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a spatial view.

The watercraft 10 comprises a floating body element 12, which can provide a buoyancy force of the watercraft 10. A receiving area 14 for the person can be assigned to the floating body element 12, in particular for a standing position of the person. The floating body element 12 can be designed in particular as a surfboard or as a wakeboard or as a skimboard or as a body board.

An input device 16 for causing a control instruction is provided on the watercraft 10, wherein the control instruction depends on an input movement 18 of the person. The input movement 18 can be carried out during travel with the watercraft 10. The input device 16 can have an input element 20 designed as a first rotary element, particularly preferably as a rotary handle. The input movement 18 of the person can be carried out by means of a rotational movement of the input element 20.

Furthermore, a control device 22 is provided for providing a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction. The control device 22 is provided on a first hydrofoil device 24 for providing a first lift force. The first hydrofoil device 24 can be arranged in the front half of the watercraft 10 and has at least one first hydrofoil element 26 which is effective in the water, wherein the control instruction causes a rotation 28 of the first hydrofoil element 26 and, in particular, a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element 26. The first hydrofoil element 26 or a part thereof can be movably, in particular rotatably, suspended on the first hydrofoil device 24, wherein a rotation can depend on the control instruction. The first hydrofoil element 26 is at least partially inclined with respect to the transverse axis 104 and can penetrate the water surface 100 at a first forward speed of the watercraft 10 in order to provide the lift force.

The watercraft 100 also comprises a transmission device for transmitting the control instruction from the input device 16 to the control device 22.

The watercraft 10 comprises a holding device 30 for enabling a supporting function for the person operating the watercraft 10, in particular in braking and/or acceleration and/or cornering situations. The holding device 30 can provide a supporting function for the person for forces parallel to the longitudinal axis 106, to the transverse axis 104 and to the vertical axis 102. In braking and/or acceleration situations, forces can occur in the direction perpendicular to the vertical axis 102 and parallel to the longitudinal axis 106. In cornering situations, forces can act in the direction perpendicular to the vertical axis 102 and parallel to the transverse axis 104.

The person can hold his hands on the holding device 30. The holding device 30 can be fixed to the watercraft 10 in order to provide the supporting function. Lateral forces during a support of the person can be absorbed by the holding device 30. The holding device 30 can comprise a holding rod 32 and a handle rod 34.

A steering device 36 for providing a change in direction of the watercraft 100 taking place along the water surface 100 as a function of a steering movement 38 by the person is arranged on the holding device 30. The steering device 36 can have a handlebar 40, which extends in particular away from the floating body element 12, and a steering element 42. The holding rod 32 may form the handlebar 40 and the handle rod 34 may form the steering element 42. The steering device 36 can be rotatably mounted on the watercraft 10 with respect to at least one axis of rotation 108. The steering device 36 can be coupled to the first hydrofoil device 24, for which purpose the first hydrofoil device 24 can be rotatable 44 as a function of the steering movement 38. The first hydrofoil device 24 can serve as a rudder element which can provide the change in direction of the watercraft 10 as a function of a steering movement 38 by the person.

The input device 16 is arranged on the holding device 30 and on the steering device 36. The steering device 36 is attached to the floating body element 12 in a fixed but, in order to enable a steering movement 38, rotatable manner. The effect of the control instruction via the input device 16 and a steering of the watercraft 10 for changing the direction along the water surface 100 is made possible and at the same time a supporting function is provided via the holding device 30. It has been found that if the input movement 18 can take place independently of the steering movement 38 and also independently of the supporting function, a controllable upward movement, in particular jumps with the watercraft 10, and a compensation of wave motions of the water surface 100 and also a steerability of the watercraft 10 can be made possible and at the same time a safe operation of the watercraft 10 and a stable position of the person on the watercraft 10 can be achieved.

The person can be supported on the watercraft 10 in braking or acceleration or cornering situations, in particular in order not to fall off the watercraft 10 and nevertheless the operation of the watercraft 10, specifically the operation of the input device 16, in this case by rotational movement of the input element 20, which is designed in particular as a twist grip, and the operation of the steering device 36, in this case by rotation of the steering device 36, which in this case comprises a handlebar 40 and a steering element 42, can be made possible independently of the support on the holding device 30, especially with regard to the support of lateral forces which can occur in braking and/or acceleration and/or cornering situations.

The holding device 30 comprises the handle rod 34, a first support area 46 for the first hand of the person and a second support area 48 for the second hand of the person. A distance which is greater than or equal to a hand width of the person is present between the first and second supporting areas 46, 48. This ensures that a reliable supporting function for the person is made possible. The person can be supported on the holding device 30 in the event of an abrupt braking operation, preferably in order to prevent falling down from the watercraft 10. The same can apply to cornering situations.

On the one hand, the person can be supported with both hands on the steering device 36 and the holding device 30, in that an approximately equal force is exerted on the steering device 36 and the holding device 30 with both hands, and on the other hand, when the steering device 36 is rotated, for example by the person exerting a torque on the steering device 36, a change in direction of the watercraft 10 along the water surface 100 can be provided.

A propulsion device 50 for providing a propulsive force is also attached to the watercraft 10. The propulsion device 50 comprises a propulsion element 52, in this case comprising a propeller and a motor. The motor can be designed as an electric motor and can be arranged under water. For this purpose, a motor housing 54 is provided in which the motor is included.

The propulsive force can be controlled by the person by actuating a speed control element 56. The speed control element 56 can comprise a second rotary element, particularly preferably a second rotary handle or a rotary switch. The actuation of the speed control element 56 can be carried out by rotating a hand of the person.

The input element 20 is arranged on the first support area 46 and the speed control element 56 is arranged on the second support area 48.

The speed control element 56 and the input element 20 can be arranged on the holding device 30 and on the steering device 36. The speed control element 56 may form the first or second support area 46, 48. The input element 20 can form the corresponding second or first support area 48, 46. The person can be supported on the input element 20 and on the speed control element 56 and can correspondingly operate it or these by rotation. The operation of the speed control element 56 can cause control of the propulsive force. The operation of the input element 20 can cause the control instruction to change the lift force.

The watercraft 10 has a second hydrofoil device 60 with at least one second hydrofoil element 62 for providing a second lift force on the watercraft 10. The second hydrofoil element 62 is at least partially inclined with respect to the transverse axis 104 and can penetrate the water surface 100 at a first forward speed of the watercraft 10 in order to cause the lift force. The propulsive force can be transmitted to the watercraft 10 via the second hydrofoil device 60. The second hydrofoil device 60 can form the force transmission element for forwarding the propulsive force from the propulsion device 50 to another component of the watercraft 10. The further component can be the floating body element 12. The force transmission from the propulsion device 50 to the further component of the watercraft 10, here to the floating body element 12, can necessarily be carried out via the second hydrofoil device 60, preferably without bypassing the second hydrofoil device 60.

FIG. 2 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a front view.

The control device 22 for providing a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction is provided on a first hydrofoil device 24 for causing a first lift force. The first hydrofoil device 24 has at least one first hydrofoil element 26 which is effective in water, wherein the control instruction causes a rotation of the first hydrofoil element 26 and, in particular, a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element 26.

Preferably, the first hydrofoil element 26 or a part thereof is suspended movably, in particular rotatably, on the first hydrofoil device 24. A rotation can depend on the control instruction. In order to provide the rotation of the first hydrofoil element 26, a bearing element 64 can be provided between the first hydrofoil element 26 and the further part of the first hydrofoil device 24.

FIG. 3 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view. In this case, the marked, dashed area 110 of the watercraft 10 is illustrated broken out in order to visibly show the relationships contained in the interior of the watercraft 10.

The control instruction can be executed as a mechanical movement, wherein the transmission device 66 comprises a mechanical transmission means 68, for example a cable pull 70. The cable pull 70 can be designed, for example, as a double cable pull, in such a way that a rotational movement 18 of the input device 16 can be carried out in both directions, as a result of which the control device 22 can provide a selective increase or decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction. A preloading force, for example caused by a spring element, can be exerted on the control device 22. By means of the preloading force, the control device 22 can be kept in a neutral position. By actuating the input device 16, the preloading force can be overcome and the control instruction can be provided. A pulley 72 can be provided in order to guide the cable pull 70.

A rotational movement of the input device 16, in this case in particular the input element 20, which can be designed as a rotary handle, can cause the control signal. The control signal can be a movement in the cable pull 70. The cable pull 70 can be connected to the control device 22 in such a way that a movement in the cable pull 70 can cause a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element 26.

The holding device 30 and the steering device 36 can be foldable in order to allow a simplified transport of the watercraft 10. If the transmission device 66 comprises a cable pull 70, the use of at least one pulley 72 is particularly advantageous in order to be able to provide the folding function of the holding device 30 and/or of the steering device 36. The rotational axis 112 of the pulley 72 and the rotational axis 114 of the foldable holding device 30 and/or steering device 36 can be concentric.

FIG. 4 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.

The control instruction can be provided by tilting the holding device 30 and the steering device 36. The steering device 36, which comprises a handlebar 40 and a steering element 42, can be rotatable, wherein the steering device 36, preferably a part 74 of the handlebar 40 and the steering element 42, can be tilted in order to provide the control instruction. The tilting can be carried out about a tilting axis 116 which lies parallel to the transverse axis 104 of the watercraft 10.

The effect of the control instruction via the input device 16 by the input movement 18 can be independent of the steering movement via the steering device 36. Furthermore, the input movement 18, here by tilting a part of the holding device 30 and the steering device 36, can be independent of the supporting function via the holding device 30 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 106 of the watercraft 10. The supporting function in the direction of the transverse axis 104 thereby influences the steering movement and the supporting function in the direction of the vertical axis 102 influences the input movement 18, therefore the input movement 18 and the supporting function are interdependent in this direction.

The control instruction causes a displacement of the first hydrofoil device 24 and thus also a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element.

The control instruction can additionally cause a rotation of the propulsion device 50, therefore the force vector of the propulsive force can be changed and a change in the lift force can be caused.

FIG. 5 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view. In this case, the marked, dashed area 110 of the watercraft 10 is illustrated broken out in order to visibly show the relationships contained in the interior of the watercraft 10.

The transmission device 66 may include a signal processing element 76 and an actuator element 78. The control instruction can be an electrical signal which can be transmitted via an electrical cable 80. The signal processing element 76 can receive the control instruction and forward it to the actuator element 78. The actuator element 78 can act on the control device 22 in such a way that a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force can be provided as a function of the control instruction.

The actuator element 78 can perform the actuation of the control device 22 in a supporting manner or solely, for example by rotating the first hydrofoil element 26 of the first hydrofoil device 24 and thus a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element 26. The actuator element 78 can facilitate the force to be applied for actuating the control device 22, for example, such as a power steering in a motor vehicle.

FIG. 6 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view. In this case, the marked, dashed area 110 of the watercraft 10 is illustrated broken out in order to visibly show the relationships contained in the interior of the watercraft 10.

In addition to the first control instruction which can be transmitted from the input element 20 to the signal processing element 76 via the electrical cable 80, a further, second control instruction for changing the lift force, which can be provided by the actuator element 78 can be output automatically by a closed-loop control device 82 via the signal processing element 76 to the control device 22. For this purpose, the control device 82 is coupled to the signal processing element 76. The control device 82 may comprise a sensor device 84 for detecting a distance 86 of the watercraft 10 from the water surface 100 and/or for detecting a wave motion of the water surface 100. The sensor device 84 can allow to detect a wave movement of the water surface 100 upstream of the watercraft 10 in the direction of travel. The sensor device 84 can comprise a sensor element 88, in particular a radar sensor, preferably a LIDAR system. The control instruction can serve to control the control device 22 for the purpose of automatic height distance and/or leveling of the watercraft 10 and/or compensation of the influence of wave movements on the function of the first hydrofoil device 24. The closed-loop control device 82 can allow stable driving with the watercraft 10, preferably while maintaining a constant distance of the watercraft 10 from the water surface 100.

FIG. 7 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.

A braking device 90 for causing a braking force on the watercraft 10 is provided on the watercraft 10, wherein the braking device can cause an additional flow resistance of the watercraft 10. The braking force can be proportional to the resulting additional flow resistance. The braking force can be caused by a body movement of the person, for example by actuating a pedal element 92 by a foot of the person. The actuation of the braking device 90 to cause a braking force can be independent of the input movement 18 and the steering movement and the supporting function. 

1. Watercraft (10) for transporting at least one person on a water surface (100), comprising an input device (16) for providing a control instruction, wherein the control instruction depends on an input movement (18) of the person and the input movement (18) can be carried out during travel with the watercraft (10), a control device (22) for providing a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction, a transmission device (66) for transmitting the control instruction from the input device (16) to the control device (22), a steering device (36) for providing a change in direction of the watercraft taking place along the water surface as a function of a steering movement (38) by the person, characterized in that a holding device (30) is provided for enabling a supporting function for the person operating the watercraft, wherein the input movement (18) can be carried out independently of the steering movement (38) and/or the supporting function, wherein the holding device (30) has a first support area (46) for the first hand of the person and a second support area (48) for the second hand of the person, wherein a propulsion device (50) is provided for providing a propulsive force, wherein the propulsive force can be controlled by the person by actuating a speed control element (56), wherein the input device comprises an input element which is arranged on the first support area (46) wherein the speed control element (56) is arranged on the second support area (48).
 2. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein the steering device (36) is arranged on the holding device and/or the input device (16) is arranged on the holding device and/or the input device (16) is arranged on the steering device (36).
 3. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein a first hydrofoil device (24) for providing a first lift force is provided, comprising at least one first hydrofoil element (26) which is effective in the water and the control instruction can cause a displacement of the first hydrofoil device (24) and/or a rotation of the first hydrofoil element and/or a change in the flow conditions of the first hydrofoil element and/or a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element and/or a rotation of a propulsion device (50).
 4. Watercraft (10) according to claim 3, wherein a second hydrofoil device (60) having at least one second hydrofoil element is provided for providing a second lift force on the watercraft, wherein the control instruction can cause a displacement of the second hydrofoil device (60) and/or a rotation of the second hydrofoil element and/or change in the angle of attack of the second hydrofoil element (62) and/or a change in the flow conditions of the second hydrofoil element (62).
 5. (canceled)
 6. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein the propulsive force is transmitted from the propulsion device (50) to the watercraft via the first and/or second hydrofoil device (24, 60).
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. Watercraft (10) according to claim 4, wherein the steering device (36) comprises the first and/or second hydrofoil device (24, 60) and/or the propulsion device (50), for which purpose the first and/or second hydrofoil device (24, 60) and/or the propulsion device (50) can be rotated as a function of the steering movement (38).
 10. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein a floating body element (12) providing a buoyancy force is provided with a receiving area (14) for the person assigned therewith.
 11. Watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface, comprising an input device for providing a control instruction, wherein the control instruction depends on an input movement of the person and the input movement can be carried out during travel with the watercraft, a control device for providing a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction, a transmission device for transmitting the control instruction from the input device to the control device, a steering device for providing a change in direction of the watercraft taking place along the water surface as a function of a steering movement by the person, characterized in that a holding device is provided for enabling a supporting function for the person operating the watercraft, wherein the input movement can be carried out independently of the steering movement and/or the supporting function, wherein the control instruction is an electrical signal and the transmission device comprises a signal processing element and an actuator element, wherein the signal processing element is arranged to receive the control instruction and forward it to the actuator element, wherein the actuator element acts on the control device in such a way that a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force can be carried out as a function of the control instruction.
 12. Watercraft according to claim 11, wherein the control instruction is a first control instruction and a further, second control instruction for changing the lift force is output automatically by a closed-loop control device via a signal processing element to the control device.
 13. Watercraft according to claim 12, wherein the closed-loop control device comprises a sensor device for detecting a distance of the watercraft from the water surface.
 14. Watercraft according to claim 13, wherein the control device is controlled by the second control instruction for providing an automatic height distance and leveling of the watercraft from the water surface.
 15. Watercraft according to claim 14, wherein the sensor device is arranged to detect a wave motion upstream of the watercraft in the direction of travel. 